Sausage-Cheese Calzone

Prepare to delight your taste buds with the mouthwatering flavors of Sausage-Cheese Calzone. This recipe brings together a delectable combination of Italian sausage, three cheeses, and a perfectly crafted crust, resulting in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. With a yield of 8 calzones, this culinary masterpiece is perfect for sharing with friends and family. The preparation takes just 30 minutes, while the cooking time per batch is a mere 7–8 minutes, resulting in a total time of 44–46 minutes to create this impressive dish.

For a slightly firmer and healthier dough that’s optimized for air frying, this recipe utilizes white wheat flour. This choice ensures that the calzone crust achieves the desired texture and consistency. The use of RapidRise yeast is a game-changer, as it eliminates the need for a lengthy rising time, making the entire process more efficient.

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

• 2 cups white wheat flour, plus more for kneading and rolling
• 1 package (¼ ounce) RapidRise yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup warm water (115°F to 125°F)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Filling:

• ¼ pound Italian sausage
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• oil for misting or cooking spray
• marinara sauce for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by crumbing Italian sausage into the air fryer baking pan. Cook at 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to break apart the sausage. Continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sausage is well done. Once cooked, set the sausage aside on paper towels to drain.
2. For the crust, combine white wheat flour, RapidRise yeast, salt, and dried basil in a mixing bowl. Add warm water and olive oil to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead for 3 to 4 minutes. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.
3. To prepare the filling, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl. Mix well to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Stir in the cooked Italian sausage, ensuring that the filling is evenly distributed.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
5. Working with 4 pieces of dough at a time, press each piece into a circle approximately 5 inches in diameter. Place 2 heaping tablespoons of the cheese and sausage filling onto each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges firmly together to seal the calzones. It’s essential to ensure a secure seal to prevent any leakage during cooking. Lightly spray both sides of the calzones with oil or cooking spray.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place 4 calzones in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Mist the calzones with oil and continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the crust is perfectly done and delightfully browned.
7. While the first batch of calzones is cooking, take the opportunity to press out the remaining dough and prepare the additional calzones.
8. Once the first batch is complete, place the second batch of 4 calzones into the preheated air fryer. Cook for 5 minutes, mist with oil, and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes longer. The second batch will cook slightly faster due to the air fryer’s preheated state.
9. For serving, provide a side of marinara sauce for dipping, allowing each bite of the calzone to be complemented by the rich and tangy flavors of the sauce.

Elevate your culinary repertoire with the tantalizing Sausage-Cheese Calzone—a harmonious marriage of Italian sausage and a blend of cheeses encased within a health-conscious white wheat flour crust. Thanks to the efficiency of RapidRise yeast, you can enjoy a delectable meal without the lengthy wait. The ease of preparation and the rich flavors of the calzone make it an instant hit for gatherings or a quick weeknight indulgence. With the air fryer bringing out the perfect texture and color, and the marinara sauce adding a final flourish, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.